Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Coming to PAC's Spanos Theater, 7/11-20

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to San Luis Obispo. Produced by Kelrik Productions, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the PAC's Spanos Theater July 11 - 20. Tickets for the performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast are now on sale at the PAC box office, by phone at 805-756-4TIX, and online at www.pacslo.org.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast features the animated film's Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman; additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Disney's Beauty and the Beast tells a heart-warming "tale as old as time" about love conquering all and is sure to be another Kelrik standing-room-only hit!

Following the success of Opera San Luis Obispo's Showboat, Erik Austin directs this Kelrik Production featuring a talented cast of over thirty performers. Other members of the creative team include Sandy Schwarer (Assistant Director), Drew Silvaggio (Choreography), Joshua Eli Krantz (Musical Direction), Audrey Surprenant (Stage Manger), David Beils (Lighting Design), and Keith Wetzel of Costume Capers (Costume Design); the professional backdrops are provided by Kenmark, Inc.

"This show is a dream come true for me" says Austin. "I worked on the Broadway production from the day it opened in New York in 1994, travelling with the show for its Los Angeles engagement. Beauty and the Beast has been part of my life for over 20 years. I am thrilled Kelrik has finally been granted permission to perform this beautiful musical after being denied the rights for many years due to its national tour. This years' Discover 2014 season has been a whirlwind of theater locations in San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles as Kelrik continues to diligently search for a new "home". Any assistance in this search is welcome. Kelrik strives to remain a viable theater company on the Central Coast, with our primary goal always to provide the highest quality family theater."

Disney's Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 22 countries and has been translated into 9 different languages.

Ticket prices for Disney's Beauty and the Beast start at $35 (includes parking and facility fees) and are now on sale at the PAC box office, on-line at pacslo.org, or by calling 805-756-4TIX. Limited premium seats are available at the box office only. Babes in arms will not be permitted. Disney's Beauty and the Beast is sponsored by Joan Gellert-Sargen with support from Costume Capers, SLO Children's Museum, Cheap Thrills, Ethereal Effects and Central Coast Family Magazine.